SHATTERED PIECES
By Kevin Yarbor
Last night I shared my secret with the moon.
I began to confess a feeling from the depths of my heart
on how close I dreamt of our relationship should be
and just when I had expressed my compassion of lust, love and happiness,
I felt your nearness then we were interrupted by a cloud that passed between us.
I felt the warmth of all out hearts’ desires and when I moved to find you,
to give you my undivided attention, you appeared sad.
I told you how devastated I was
the nights we are not able to see one another.
And you being me comfort.
Then I felt a breeze of rushing wind southeast
and it started to rain and the clouds separated us again.
I was at the closing of our conversation
as I stood there in the open field.
I knew I was in trouble when the clouds turned black and gray
and I heard the thunder clap.
I pleaded for your presence to come down from there
to give me support again.
Suddenly lightning struck and it began hailing.
I was appalled, so I ran for cover.
To this empty state of mind
I sat in a cave all alone in tears shattered pieces.
FORGIVENESS
By Prentiss Robinson
There is no more powerful, far-reaching means of healing than forgiveness and yet the concept is generally misunderstood.
Forgiveness is not a posture of superiority or the decision to behave in certain “forgiving ways.”
Forgiveness does not condone the past nor does it commit one’s self to the future.
It has nothing to do with behaviors such as releasing inmates from penitentiaries. Forgiveness occurs in the present only.
Forgiveness is our willingness to change our minds from a thing that tortures us into a presence that befriends and comforts society.
This we cannot do as long as we use our minds defensively, or use it to attack repeatedly. We must pull thought away from who is more guilty you or me and join humanity.
By recognizing the deep core of innocence within us all that is powerful and shining within you and everything.
Therefore, let us repeat forgiveness indefinitely until all souls are healed.
JESUS
By Carlos Greenlee
Crucifixion
(Asleep in a tomb),
Then empty tomb
Resurrection
Surreal
Ascension
(Fear)
(Soaring in spires)
Into cloudless blue,
Into (a) black ocean (of) sky
Above the clouds, / into God’s infinite space
EVERY MORNING
By Kevin Yarber
Before sunrise the moment my eyes open, I’m grateful for another day.
I quickly rush to water for ablution with no delay
Every morning I’ll pray to Rakaah for us the believers
I’ll ask Allah for forgiveness and to be an over-achiever
Every morning I’ll read some literature from my favorite book
It soothes me, I’m captured like a fish on a hook
My faith is strong I feel blessed I’m shinning in the light
Satin can’t fade me, for he knows my deen is tight
Every morning I’ll greet the angels that witness my prayers on both sides
I know they’re watching over me and guiding my stride
If you heard this poem I hope you understood what I’m professing
On the day of judgment Insha-Allah you’ll remember this lesson.
WATERCOLOR
By Carlos Greenlee
San Quentin in Watercolor
Beige
Orange
Grey
(Cloudless) blue
The self same color as the sky
Green
Orange
Green
(Cloudless) blue
The self same blue as the sky above
And the see thru underwater, true